Protecting plants from ethylene damage using 1-MCP

If you are shipping ethylene sensitive crops you should consider treating those plants with a product that includes 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene). 1-MCP is an ethylene inhibitor that protects the plant from both internal and external sources of ethylene (Figure 1). Even when plants are in the presence of ethylene, they do not respond to it. The plants have receptor proteins that must physically bind ethylene to cause leaf senescence, flower abscission and other symptoms. When plants are treated with 1-MCP, the 1-MCP binds to these receptor proteins and the “full” receptors can no longer bind ethylene. No ethylene binding, means no symptoms of ethylene damage. Plants are living things that are still growing and developing. Part of this growth process is the production of new ethylene receptor proteins. A one-time application of 1-MCP, therefore, only provides the plant with temporary protection from ethylene. Newly produced receptors can now bind ethylene and the ethylene can once again cause damage. In most instances a 1-MCP treatment will be effective for a few days to a week, and this is enough time to protect a crop during shipment. For plants with multiple flowers at different developmental stages, the flowers that open after the 1-MCP treatment was applied may not be protected.

 

Figure 1. 1-MCP treatment protects torenia from damage following exposure to ethylene gas.

Figure 1. 1-MCP treatment protects torenia from damage following exposure to ethylene gas.

 

 

Commercial 1-MCP based products currently include EthylBloc and Ethylene Buster. These products contain a powder that releases 1-MCP gas when mixed with a buffer solution or with water. Plants can be treated in any enclosed area including coolers, greenhouses, truck trailers, and shipping boxes or other containers. Treatment is most effective at 55 to 75° F. While plants could be treated in an area of the greenhouse, it is easiest and most economical to treat plants while they are in transit. This method does not require you to invest any extra time (besides preparing the 1-MCP) in the treatment.

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to calculate the volume of your shipping container or truck trailer and determine how much 1-MCP you will need. The 1-MCP sachets, which look something like tea bags, can be used with orchids or other ethylene sensitive crops that ship in boxes (Figure 2). Truck kits are available for treating entire truck loads of plants. The sachets should be dipped in water to activate the release of 1-MCP, and then they must be immediately sealed in the box. The box should not have any vent holes. Similarly, 1-MCP is released from the truck kit as soon as the 1-MCP is combined with the activator buffer (or tablets), so it needs to be immediately closed up within the truck. Plants must be sealed in the truck or boxes with the 1-MCP gas for at least 4 to 10 hours (see manufacturer’s instructions for specific treatment times).

 

Figure 2. Plants can be treated in boxes with 1-MCP sachets or on carts in a truck with a truck kit.

Figure 2. Plants can be treated in boxes with 1-MCP sachets or on carts in a truck with a truck kit.

 

 

The proper postproduction care and handling of bedding plants and potted plants must include steps to prevent ethylene damage. Avoid exposing plants to potential external sources of ethylene and minimize internal ethylene production by the plants by reducing wounding and exposure to high temperatures. 1-MCP applications can provide very effective protection against the negative effects of ethylene and give you piece of mind when shipping ethylene sensitive crops.

 

 

Dr. Michelle L. Jones
D.C. Kiplinger Chair in Floriculture
Associate Professor
The Ohio State University
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
330-263-3885
Jones.1968@osu.edu
http://oardc.osu.edu/floriculture/
http://oardc.osu.edu/joneslab/